7 Day Northern Lights Self Drive Tour | Destination Ice Cave

On day two, you’ll begin the journey towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west. Spectacular coastlines, enchanting fjords, volcanic sea stacks and sprawling lava fields at the base of the Snæfellsjökull glacier are just some of the attractions that you’ll find in this magical part of Iceland. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is the opportunity to descend inside the magma chamber of the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano in Iceland’s stunning Bláfjöll (Blue Mountains) range. Otherwise, spend the day traversing the spectacular cliffs around the windswept village of Arnarstapi and marvel at natural wonders. On a clear day, the coastline offers stunning views to the fjords in the north. Destinations not to be missed include the Djúpalónssandur black lava pearl beach and Kirkjufell mountain. Be sure to look towards the skies in the evening for the chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast before taking an easily accessible lava cave tour for people of all ages. Situated near Borgarfjörður, the Víðgelmir lava tube is the largest of its kind in Iceland. Deep within, you’ll have the chance to witness impressive rock formations created over thousands of years. Afterwards, you can enjoy the day at your own leisure as you make your way around the famous Golden Circle. Start at Þingvellir National Park, where you can wander between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with geological wonders. If you’re up to it, submerge yourself in the crystal clear glacial water of the Silfra fissure for a snorkelling experience like no other! Your next stop will be at the Geysir geothermal area, where mesmerising steam and sulphur rise from fumaroles in the colourful, volcanic ground. The highlight here is the Strokkur fountain geyser, which explodes every 5 to 10 minutes, spewing hot volcanic water up to 20 metres in the air! Thereafter, make your way to the nearby Gullfoss waterfall, which is situated on the mighty Hvítá river. It thunders across two tiers and plunges with dramatic force into a canyon below, making for a truly extraordinary sight. Your accommodation for the evening will be near Laugarvatn lake – the perfect place to relax in Iceland’s magnificent nature. It’s a wonderful location to view the Northern Lights when the skies are clear at night.

On day four, you’ll make your way along the spectacular South Coast of Iceland. Be prepared to experience some of the country’s most incredible waterfalls and breathtaking coastal views. At Seljalandsfoss, you’ll have the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall as it tumbles forth from a 60 metre high cliff. Nearby is the famous Skógafoss waterfall, which flows from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. If you have the time, wander through the turf-roofed houses of the Skógasafn open-air museum, go glacier hiking at Sólheimajökull or take a snowmobile tour across Mýrdalsjökull glacier towards Katla, one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland. In the afternoon, stand tall against the dramatic waves of the North Atlantic Ocean as they crash against the cliffs of Dyrhólaey. From there, head to Reynisfjara black sand beach and get close to the fascinating basalt columns along the shoreline, as well as the jagged Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising forth from the water. Your accommodation for the evening will be near the charming village of Vík, a gorgeous place to view the Northern Lights should they make a display tonight.

After breakfast on day five, you’ll begin the drive towards the Vatnajökull National Park. We recommend that you stop at the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur on your way for some lunch, before heading to the incredibly picturesque Foss á Síðu waterfall. Situated amongst farmland and surrounded by tall basalt cliffs, it’s a lovely place to stretch your legs. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure by exploring the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. There are many hiking trails that will take you amongst a variety of landscapes. You can enhance the experience with a glacier hike from Skaftafell or visit the unique Svartifoss waterfall. Its hexagonal black basalt columns resembling an organ pipe were the inspiration for the design of the famous Hallgrimskírkja church in Reykjavík. From there, the drive towards Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is inspiringly picturesque. You’ll catch numerous glimpses of glacial tongues upon the horizon as you make your way into the heart of the Vatnajökull National Park, home to Iceland’s largest ice-cap. If you’re lucky, you’ll arrive at Jökulsárlón in time to catch the gorgeous pink hues of the sun setting over the icebergs as they float serenely within the lagoon, having calved into the tidal waters from the nearby glacier. Your accommodation for the evening will be near Jökulsárlón. Surrounded by icy beauty and stunning natural landscapes, it’s a memorable location to turn your eye towards the sky in search of the Northern Lights.

On day six, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself further within the extraordinary surrounds of the Vatnajökull National Park, one of the most revered regions in all of Iceland. It is the second largest national park in Europe, encompassing a vast expanse of stunning scenery from volcanoes to glaciers, massive canyons and awe-inspiring valleys. This will be your chance to experience the surreal and otherworldly atmosphere of an ice cave. Marvel at the crystal blue walls of ice as you walk within a glacier. Iceland is one of the few places in the world where you can experience this unique phenomenon of nature. Ice cave tours can book out quickly, so be sure to make your reservations well ahead of time. Afterwards, make your way to the stretch of beach adjacent to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This is where icebergs that have drifted out to sea are deposited upon the shore, resembling diamonds glistening in the sun. It’s no wonder why this stretch of coast has been nicknamed the ‘Diamond Beach’ by some! When you’ve finished capturing your final memories, it will be time to commence the long drive back to Reykjavík. There will be plenty of places to stop and take a rest along the way. It’s a great opportunity to catch any sights you may have missed along the spectacular South Coast of Iceland. You’ll reach downtown Reykjavík by evening and check in to your accommodation.

This will be your final day in Iceland. If you have the time, then you’ll be able to explore the city at your leisure or choose to do a few more activities before your flight departs. Options include visiting FlyOver Iceland for a breathtaking virtual journey or relaxing in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Be sure to leave enough time to drive back to the airport and to return your rental car before checking in for your flight. Until next time, we hope you’ve had a wonderful time in Iceland!